Suspension

The axle principle of the RS 5** enables optimum absorption of longitudinal and transverse forces. A five-link design, which consists mostly of aluminum, is used for the front and rear axle. This is particularly advantageous with regard to sporty driving characteristics and agility but does not cause any comfort disadvantages. The track for both models is 1,598 mm (62.9 in) at the front and 1,588 mm (62.5 in) at the rear.

The standard RS sport suspension of the revised RS 5 models already guarantees a high level of dynamism. The dampers are tuned specifically for the RS and are approximately 15% more taut than in the Audi S5**. On request, Audi installs the RS sport suspension plus with the integrated pitch and roll compensation Dynamic Ride Control (DRC). It binds the RS 5** even more tightly to the road and ensures constantly agile handling, especially during dynamic cornering. Dynamic Ride Control consists of steel springs and three-way adjustable dampers that counteract the movements of the vehicle body with no delay, without the use of electronics. When the vehicle is turning into and traveling around a bend, the damper response is altered so that the vehicle’s movements around the longitudinal axis (roll) and around the transverse axis (pitch) are significantly reduced. The dampers are each connected diagonally to a central valve via two separate oil lines. The valves provide the necessary compensating volume via internal pistons with the gas-filled compartment behind them. When the vehicle is steering into and traveling around a bend, an oil flow is generated between the diagonally opposite dampers via the central valve, thereby creating additional damping force. When one side is cushioned, the damping characteristics are altered such that roll and pitch movements are eliminated almost entirely. As a result, this highly responsive damper system ensures that the RS 5** is particularly precise when negotiating curves.

The driver can set the function of the dampers via the standard Audi drive select dynamic handling system in three stages. Its highly precise control occurs via the electronic chassis platform (ECP) as a central control mechanism. The ECP adjusts the shock absorbers according to road conditions, the individual driving style, and the mode chosen in drive select.

“RS MODE”: a button for dynamic handling

With the Audi drive select dynamic handling system, the driver can set the characteristics of both steering variants as well as other aspects of the RS 5**. The Audi drive select system influences the engine and transmission management, the power steering, the suspension, the quattro sport differential, the engine sound, and the way in which the automatic air conditioning works.

There are five profiles available: Comfort, auto, dynamic, as well as two new individually customizable RS-specific “RS1” and “RS2” modes. Once these have been set to suit the driver’s personal preferences and stored in the MMI touch response, they can be enabled directly via quick access to the RS MODE button on the steering wheel. Consequently, the driver can easily switch between the “RS1” and “RS2” modes as well as the last selected drive select mode without having to operate the MMI touch response again.

The ESC stabilization control is tuned specifically for the RS and brings a sport mode with it. If the driver presses the ESP button for more than three seconds, the Electronic Stabilization Control is deactivated completely.

As an alternative to the electromechanical power steering, dynamic steering with RS-specific tuning is available. It varies the steering ratio by practically 100%, depending on the road speed and the Audi drive select setting in which it is integrated. The transitions run continuously and practically imperceptibly.

The central part of the dynamic steering is a superimposition gearing in the steering column, which is driven by an electric motor. The so-called strain wave gearing was originally developed for robotics and aerospace. It is compact, light, and torsionally rigid and acts free of play, with precision, and with low friction. The gearing can transmit tremendous torques extremely rapidly and achieves a high level of efficiency. 

At low driving speeds in city traffic and in maneuvering, the dynamic steering operates very directly; all it takes is two full turns of the steering wheel to travel from end stop to end stop. The power steering boost is also high, making parking maneuvers very easy. On country roads, the directness of the steering response and steering power assist are reduced progressively. At fast expressway speeds, indirect gear ratios and low power assist are used to smooth out unsteady steering movements to enable impressive straight tracking.

When driving in a particularly sporty way, the dynamic steering works closely together with the electronic stabilization control (ESC). This uses a superposition gear to vary its ratio by up to 100 percent, depending on the car’s speed and the mode selected in the Audi drive select dynamic handling system. If necessary, it counter-steers slightly; its slight corrections, most of which are unnoticeable to the driver, reduce understeer and oversteer due to load alterations in the vast majority of situations. When braking on road surfaces with different friction coefficients, the system helps by means of stabilizing steering corrections. In dynamic drive select mode, the steering is consciously tuned in a linear manner for the best possible feedback of the road surface and driving behavior. The RS 5** thereby gains stability, dynamism, and driving safety. 

Big and strong: Wheels and brakes

The revised RS 5 models** drive on 19-inch forged lightweight wheels with series 265/35 tires as standard. The 20-Inch wheels with various designs, including, for the first time, a bronze colored or completely black wheel are available on request. Behind the large wheels, there are strong brakes with perforated composite discs – its covers are made of aluminum and its friction rings are made of steel. At the front axle, these have a diameter of 375 millimeters (14.8 in), while at the rear, they measure 330 millimeters (13.0 in). The six-piston brake calipers with RS logo are painted in black as standard; they can optionally be painted in red.

On request, Audi can install perforated discs on the front axle with a diameter of 400 mm (15.7 in), which are fabricated out of particularly light and abrasion-resistant carbon-fiber ceramic discs. They reduce the total weight of the RS 5 by around 6.5 kg (14.3 lb) and are gripped by gray, red, or blue six-piston calipers. Air ducts that are installed on the underbody ensure optimum cooling of both front brakes.

** The fuel consumption values of all models named and available on the German market can be found in the list provided at the end of this press information.

All terms in blue in the text are explained in detail in the technology lexicon at www.audi-mediacenter.com/en/technology-lexicon.
The equipment, data and prices stated here refer to the model range offered for sale in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.